Music Performance Agreements #Natasha Bedingfield #Unwritten

What is a Performance Agreement?
A Performance agreement is usually a 1-2page contract that outlines the legal expectations of both artists and promoters where an artist is expected to perform live on stage.

What Goes In a Performance Agreement?

a) Date of Performance
b) Time of Performance
c) Length of Performance (when event starts, doors open, how long you will perform as an artist)
d) Location
e) Fees
f) Equipment (sound, lights etc)
g) Termination
h) Liability
i) Signature

What about Rider Terms i.e. the Perks
Perks are categorized as “riders” or Rider terms. They include terms on hotel/accommodations, dressing room, tickets, hospitality, sound check/sound system, cancellation, ushers, security etc.

Advertising
When a promoter takes on the task of bringing an artist to perform, it creates conflict where an artist decides to do their own advertising of the event. That is a promoter’s job. So, for the most part, performance agreements call for the promoter to do all the advertising and if artist should seek to do any kind of advertising regarding the event, artist must discuss and get approval first with promoter.

Where the Legal Battle Usually Lies

Deposit Fees: Promoters, at times, can be shady refusing to fulfill the terms of an performance agreement, for example playing deposit fees.

How Do Deposit Fees Typically Work?

Initial Deposit: Promoter pays artist a non-refundable deposit fee prior to appearance on stage. That amount secures the artist. It is non-refundable because artist can be booked with Promoter A to perform at A’s event but has given up that opportunity to perform at promoter B’s event.

Full Balance: The balance of an artist fees to perform is usually due within 24-48 hours prior to performance. Obviously depending on the relationship an artist has with a promoter, they can work the details out on the time when the balance is due.

Cancellation: In the music world, this is a common issue.  Lawsuits abound of artists canceling shows and not performing. I have covered a few like the J-Lo & Mos Def situation. Artist, perform when you are asked to or else you risk exposure to a lawsuit and bad publicity. Promoters, be sure to include a clause that provides for what happens if artists cancels through no fault of your own and how you get your money back.

Merchandise
Touring can be quite expensive. Historically, bands/artists have covered the costs of touring/performing through selling merchandise. They sell CDs, hats, posters, t-shirts etc. Artists kept these monies. Now, everyone wants a piece of the pie. Promoters now negotiate a certain cut from these sales, anywhere from 15-40%.

That’s it from me. Obviously, it always makes sense to hire an attorney to draft a performance agreement for you that way your interest is protected.

Cheers,
Uduak

Natasha Bedingfield ‘Unwritten’ Live Performance